Through the years of collecting and working with vinyl, I've always been enchanted with attractive, forward-thinking album artwork and design. I can still say that to this day I will still buy a record because of its stunning artwork, without regard for the content. These records are wonderfully tactile, touchable things with graphic design that stands out, screams out to be held and admired, displayed or even framed, in addition to being nurtured in one's carefully curated collection.

In 2012, Amoeba bought a record collection in New York (it's here) that contained some absolute gems of 1950's record cover design on 10-inch Long Play(LP) discs.. I stashed some of the most interesting designs as I went through the collection for us to peruse here. Conceived shortly after the 7-inch Extra Play(EP) era, these covers virtually attack one's visual senses, created in such a way by these labels as to literally command a person to pick the thing up! Imagine a record store back then displaying these gems next to a rather austere Perry Como record!

Never have I encountered more captivating packaging than these 10-inch "Long Players" from eastern Europe, mostly on the Supraphon (Czech) or Melodiya (Russia) labels. The paper quality feels absolutely sublime on the fingers, and some of these covers are actually stitched together! Just holding these records sends me back in time to my Czech brothers-in-music! These are true mid-century iconic designs.

Known for his vibrant flare in music and fashion, Cameron Carpenter is taking an ancient instrument to unconventional places. Praised and simultaneously criticized for his use of electronic organs, Carpenter is often referred to as a virtuoso for his unorthodox interpretations of standard organ arrangements.The classically trained organist earned two degrees from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and he holds the distinction of being the first organist to be nominated for a GRAMMY award. His International Touring Organ show features a digital organ designed by Carpenter.

Cameron Carpenter visited AmoebaHollywood recently to do a little shopping and to dispel some common misconceptions about Classical musicians. Cameron kicks off his What's In My Bag? episode with a copy of Wiz Khalifa's Deal Or No Dealand follows that up withBreakfast by Chiddy Bang. A huge fan of film scores and soundtrack composers, Cameron digs up a copy of Citizen Kaneby Bernard Herrman. Watch the full episode below to hear Cameron explain why it's important for Classical musicians to know what's going on in popular music, from Hip Hop to Taylor Swift and everything in between.

There is a type of customer at Amoeba Music that remains one of my favorites. Those brave souls who sheepishly make their way to the deepest, most remote area of the store: The Classical Section. They look vulnerable but hopeful, curious but intimidated. They come, knowing they want Classical music, but unsure how to find something they’ll like.

I’ve found the most efficient and fun way to lead folks is to learn about the other forms of music they love, and then use that to inspire selections. For every contemporary artist on the scene today, I assure you that there’s a composer in the Classical section with parallels. Beyond that, after working in record stores for over a decade, I’ve learned that people who enjoy certain acts – such as, let’s say, Black Sabbath – typically will also enjoy the string quartets of Dmitri Shostakovich.

It’s these interactions that led me to create the following "conversion chart." While no means infallible, think of it as a fun way to find a starting point in your adventure into the Classical music genre. But remember – no chart can replace a living, breathing, Amoeba Music employee. Don’t be afraid to come in and ask for suggestions. We love that!

The best time to come explore the Classical section will be November 28-30 when we're having a huge Classical blowout at our stores over Black Friday weekend. All red and green tag Classical CDs and vinyl will be 50% off! Sale details here.

Looking for another reason to celebrate this coming 4th of July weekend?

Head down to any Amoeba store and partake in the 4th of July Weekend Classical Blowout! From Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th, all three Amoeba locations will slash prices in half for all Classical Green and Red tag CDs and vinyl.

That's right! ALL Green and Red tag Classical CDs and LPs will be half off, all weekend long. Fresh bargains will be stocked and restocked often.

Can't make it to the stores? We always have amazing bargains available for purchase on Amoeba.com, with Free Shipping in the US, so dig in HERE!

PLEASE NOTE: our stores are closing early for the July 4th holiday. Amoeba SF & Berkeley will close at 6pm, and Amoeba Hollywood closes at 9pm.

On the surface, Classical music and downloading is a bit of a mismatch. The chance of someone downloading Wagner’s four and a half hour opera, Parsifal, or Bach’s three hour choral masterpiece, St. Matthew Passion, to play on their iPad is rather remote. But there is a seemingly brisk business in downloading popular classical "Greatest Hits." The nomenclature of the potential buyer is different than that of a seasoned Classical aficionado (song versus composition piece for instance). Another challenge is the novice buyer may know what the piece (song) sounds like, but does not know the name of the composer. The novice buyer will probably know the piece from a movie, a commercial, video game or even a cartoon. Downloads generally give you the flexibility of sampling and then downloading the track you want or the entire piece. Explore our full catalog of Classical music downloads, which are 20% off in March with promo code DLSALE.

Here is a short list of some of the most popular Classical pieces being downloaded and some of the more accessible endeavors with which they are associated: